FAIRBURY, Neb - As the hunting season nears, a landmark archery and outdoors store in Southeast Nebraska is helping their customers.

On Saturday the Blue River Archery store in Fairbury is holding a customer appreciation day with a meal and a bow inspection. Owner Greg Gill explains.


“Free bow inspection day, a lot of times throughout the year, it takes more money to get it looked over and checked over,” Gill said. “I have my crew, my showing staff and support staff from all over the state, some in Iowa, some in Kansas, they come in for the one day… Kind of give back to the people.”

Gill and his staff at Blue River will inspect bows and make minor tweaks and adjustments at no charge to the customer, while also providing a barbecue meal. The promotional event comes at a good time as Nebraska’s bow hunting season is right around the corner.

Gill says it’s important to have a working bow for safety and good hunting practice.

“For one, to be as effective and efficient as they can be, after the animal they’re wanting to hunt,” Gill said. “Make sure everything’s working… You’re giving the animal and you as much of a chance to have a clean hunt. You want everything working efficiently.”

As the season nears, business has picked up for Gill and Blue River, since mid July.

“Two weeks before season it really gets hectic with everyone wanting to get things done last minute,” Gill said. “We try not to make people wait, but sometimes it happens… we try to go through as quick and best as we can.”

Gill also says being a small, local business is good for the town of Fairbury and the area.

“I’m not going to leave or stop until I get you taken care of,” Gill said. “A big store, box store, closes at certain hours, I don’t necessarily close… I sit here and take care of what needs to be taken care of. If a guy comes in on a Saturday or Sunday night, with a certain problem, I get it taken care of.”

The event begins at 9:00 on Saturday.